Peach tree named &#39;GL V26&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ) named ‘GL V26’ is described. The new variety is a selection derived from the open pollinated seed of ‘Yumyeong’ (not patented), and is distinguishable from the parent variety by a dark red scarlet overcolour, and three weeks earlier harvest maturity than ‘Yumyeong.’ Its novelty consists of a unique combination of features that include late flowering, heavy and regular fruit production, large, very firm, white, crisp-textured, clingstone fruit. The fruit has a sweet, subacid flavor with very good eating quality.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

[0001] The present new and distinct variety was originated by Paul G.Glucina from an open pollinated population of seedlings derived from thevariety ‘Yumyeong’ planted in 1986 at the HortResearch orchard in Kumeu,Auckland, New Zealand. A large group of open-pollinated seedlings wereplanted on their own roots, and under careful observation one seedlingrepresenting the present variety was selected and asexually propagatedfor further evaluation. The seedling was established at the HortResearchorchard at Havelock North, New Zealand and evaluated by Michael T.Malone. The selection was further propagated by asexual reproduction forthe first time in 1989.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

[0002] The new variety was budded onto ‘Golden Queen’ peach rootstock.The unique combination of characteristics and distinctive colour aretrue to the original seedling tree and are transmitted throughsucceeding asexual generations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

[0003] The described variety of peach tree is of a medium to large size,vigorous, with a spreading growth habit. The new variety is a regularand productive bearer of medium to large, white flesh, clingstone fruitwith a sweet sub-acid taste and very firm, crisp flesh. The fruit hasvery good flavour and eating quality. The firm flesh exhibits goodstorage and the skin has an attractive red colour over a creambackground. The fruit ripens mid-season, approximately three weeksbefore the ‘Yumyeong’ parent variety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of thefoliage and the fruit of the new variety as depicted in colours asnearly true as is reasonably possible in a colour representation of thistype. The photograph in FIG. 1 was taken shortly after harvest when thefruit was at eating maturity.

[0005]FIG. 1 shows the upper and lower leaf surfaces, and the exteriorand sectional view of the fruit divided along the suture plane to showflesh colour, with the stone remaining in place; and,

[0006]FIG. 2 shows typical fruit and leaves on the tree of the newvariety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0007] The following is a detailed description of the new variety withcolour terminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural SocietyColour Chart 1986 edition. The specimens described were grown inHavelock North, New Zealand. The observations were made in the 2001season on trees which were four years old at the time, grown on ‘GoldenQueen’ peach rootstock.

[0008] Tree:

[0009]Size.—Medium to large.

[0010]Vigour.—Medium.

[0011]Form.—Pruned to central leader, with a spreading growth habit.

[0012] Trunk:

[0013]Size.—Medium.

[0014]Texture.—Smooth.

[0015]Colour.—Grey/brown 199B.

[0016] Branches:

[0017]Size.—Medium.

[0018]Texture.—Smooth.

[0019]Lenticels.—Medium quantity, medium size.

[0020] Leaves:

[0021]Size.—Medium to large.

[0022]Average width.—42 mm.

[0023]Average length.—172 mm.

[0024]Shape of tip.—Acuminate.

[0025]Angle of tip.—Narrow acute.

[0026]Shape of base.—Attenuate.

[0027]Margin.—Crenate.

[0028]Thickness.—Medium.

[0029]Surface.—Smooth.

[0030]Petiole.—Medium length, medium thickness.

[0031]Glands.—Reniform, usually more than two, average 3-4 nectaries onfully developed leaf.

[0032]Color—upper surface.—Dark Green 141A.

[0033]Color—lower surface.—Green 146B.

[0034] Flowers:

[0035]Bud size.—Medium to large.

[0036]Bud length.—Medium.

[0037]Form.—Plump.

[0038]Flower size.—Medium to large.

[0039]Pollen.—Present.

[0040]Colour.—Medium pink.

[0041]Petal shape.—Round.

[0042]Pubescence of ovary.—Present.

[0043] Fruit:

[0044]Maturity for consumption.—Firm ripe.

[0045]First picking.—Mid-season.

[0046]Size.—Medium.

[0047]Average weight.—160 g.

[0048]Average diameter across suture line.—71 mm.

[0049]Average length.—63 mm.

[0050]Shape (ventral view).—Round oblate, symmetrical.

[0051]Shape of pistil end.—Weakly pointed.

[0052]Suture.—Medium to strong prominence, extends from base to apex.

[0053] Flesh:

[0054]Ripens.—Evenly.

[0055]Texture.—Firm crunchy, non-melting.

[0056]Fibres.—Non-fibrous.

[0057]Aroma.—Slight.

[0058]Average soluble solids.—12 Brix.

[0059]Average malic acid %.—0.48% with pH of 3.75.

[0060]Juice.—Moderate.

[0061]Colour.—White 155D; Anthocyanin coloration of flesh stronglyexpressed.

[0062] Stem:

[0063]Size.—Medium.

[0064] Skin:

[0065]Thickness.—Medium.

[0066]Adherence to flesh.—Medium to strong.

[0067]Pubescence density.—Medium.

[0068]Tendency to crack.—None.

[0069]Colour.—Red 47A, blending to a red-pink 49A, mottled pattern ofover colour; Cream/yellow 11D ground colour of skin.

[0070] Stone:

[0071]Type.—Clingstone.

[0072]Size.—Medium.

[0073]Average stone length.—29 mm.

[0074]Average stone width.—22 mm.

[0075]Average stone thickness.—15 mm.

[0076]Average stone weight.—6.4 g.

[0077]Shape (lateral view).—Elliptic.

[0078]Surface.—Pits and grooves.

[0079]Tendency to split.—Low to medium, season variation.

[0080]Colour.—Yellow Brown 164A,B.

[0081]Use.—Local and export markets.

[0082]Storage.—Good; trials indicate 2-3 weeks storage without internalbreakdown of flesh.

[0083] The present new variety of peach tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary slightly in detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theenvironmental conditions prevailing near Havelock North, Hawke's Bay,New Zealand.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree named ‘GL V26,’including all its parts and the fruit thereof, substantially asillustrated and described.